Learn about Brake Problems, Repair & Parts

Stay Ahead of Brake Problems

What sounds, noises & vibrations indicate needed brake repair?

SCREECHING – This could mean your brake pads are either almost worn out or that the brake pad material is the wrong choice for your vehicle. Inferior brake pads can cause loud screeching every time you apply the brakes.

SQUEALING – This could mean that your brake pads are almost completely worn down and you’re hearing the sound of metal on metal. Brake pads include a small piece of metal that touches the rotor to indicate when your brake pads need replaced.

GRINDING – This typically means that you’ve gone past the brake pad material and are now metal on metal. Your brake pad no longer has the soft pad material and the metal backing of the pad is now what’s grinding on your rotor. This needs to be addressed immediately and the car should not be driven any further.

What type of vibrations & sensations indicate needed brake repair?

SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL – This means that air has been introduced into the braking system hydraulic fluid. You’ll experience poor stopping power until the system is properly bled.

PULSATING BRAKE PEDAL – When you apply the brake pedal does it pulsate up and down until you stop? If this is the case, your brake rotors and/or drums are warped. It’s recommended that you have your rotors replaced to prevent uneven brake wear and more problems.

VIBRATING STEERING WHEEL – This is also a common brake problem that happens when the pads wear down and the rotors warp. You might notice both a pulsating pedal and a vibrating steering wheel when braking. Repair is needed.

How can I prevent future brake problems and prolong the life of my rotors & brake pads?

CHOOSE THE RIGHT REPAIR SERVICE – It all starts this that first brake job. Where did you get your brakes serviced? What kind of part was used? Was it done right? But brakes are brakes right? WRONG. Most shops will say they employ ASE certified mechanics; they only need one mechanic to put that ASE sign up everywhere. Replacing brake pads and rotors needs to be done right from the moment the wheel is removed; a simple error like not tightening the lug nuts correctly could cause warped rotors. Automotive shops will use inferior parts not specified by the car manufacturer to save money and get you in the shop. This ultimately decreases the life of your vehicle’s brakes. Brakes To Go replaces worn out brake parts with premium replacements that meet or exceed OEM specification. We also only employee ASE certified technicians to ensure every brake job is done correctly.

VEHICLE WEIGHT – The weight your car or truck endures will have a serious effect on braking. The more weight in the vehicle, the harder it is to stop the car, and the harder it is the stop your car the hotter the brakes get. When your brakes get hot and stay hot for long periods of time they begin to warp. Get rid of any extra weight in your vehicle to help prolong your brakes.

CONSTANT BRAKING – Riding the brake (putting your foot on the brake pedal however lightly when you have no intention of slowing down or stopping) is a bad driving habit. It produces an enormous amount of heat on the brake system and destroys everything from your calipers to your rotors. To maintain control while going downhill, try downshifting instead of riding the brakes.

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING – Aggressive driving requires a lot of extra braking. Excess speed and last minute decisions put unnecessary wear and tear on the braking system. Drive aggressively and you’ll be paying more for brake repair.

Why don’t we machine rotors?

While machining fixes the problem, it only does so temporarily—this approach is not a solution, it’s a band-aid fix. Machining rotors may be less expensive upfront, but the maintenance and repair are more costly in the long run.

At Brakes to Go, we only replace rotors. – The cost may be slightly higher than to machine rotors at another shop, but you’re getting a longer-lasting product, superior service, and high-quality parts. Plus, we offer free brake inspections alongside our 24,000 mile or 24-month nationwide warranty.

What does this mean for you? – Peace of mind. Call us today to learn more.

Brake Repair & Brake Parts

How do brakes work?

You apply pressure to the brake pedal and the car stops, but how?

It all starts with your foot and works from there. Every part of the braking system relies on each other to stop the car safely and confidently. The system converts your foot pressure into hydraulic pressure to stop the vehicle. It does this by pushing a cylinder that’s activated by pedal pressure to push hydraulic brake fluid forward, which squeezes your pads together on the rotors, which creates friction to stop the vehicle.

All of the brake parts work together to accomplish one main task, to stop your vehicle accurately and safely.

What are brake pads?

Brake pads are a medal backing with a friction material surface. Their contact with your brake rotors create the friction thats slows down the vehicle.

What are brake rotors?

A brake rotor is the metal disc directly attached to your tire. Your brake pads are attached on both sides of the rotor and clamp down on the it to slow and stop the vehicle.

What is a brake shoe?

Brake shoes are similar to brake pads. They are made of a friction material with a metal backing that pushes outward on the inside of the drum to slow or stop the vehicle.

What is a brake drum?

The brake drum is similar to the rotor as they both serve the same purpose. The brake drum rotates around the brake shoes; when the brakes are applied the shoes push outward onto the drum creating friction and slowing or stopping the vehicle.

What is a brake caliper?

The caliper houses the brake pads and when brake fluid is pressured against the piston in the caliper it squeezes the pads around the rotor to stop or slow the vehicle.

What is brake fluid?

When force is applied to the brake pedal, brake fluid is pressurized and converts mechanical power into hydraulic power. If the vehicle has a leak, the brakes could barely function or not function at all. It’s crucial to make sure your brake fluid is in good condition and bled properly; if air is introduced into the braking system you can have trouble stopping your vehicle.